Looking for an apartment or dorm room abroad? Here are a few tips, tricks, and some advice on how to be street-smart when securing a place to live.
Money for Rent Matters...a Lot!
Keep currency differences in mind! Don't ignore the exchange rate, as it may determine whether or not it's possible to afford the apartment.
While, for example, 400 Euro may not seem like a lot of money for rent, that's just under 600 U.S. dollars, and about 630 Canadian dollars. Is 400 Euro manageable with regard to the amount of money currently in a home bank account, and with the amount of money to be made (in Euros) abroad?
Housing Location, Location, Location
Consider the following questions when determining where to live:
- Is the apartment convenient to public transportation, or will it involve a fifteen minute uphill walk to the bus stop, twenty minute bus ride to the subway, then a thirty minute train ride to work, every day?
- Is the neighborhood safe, or does it have a reputation for being a less-desirable neighborhood?
- Does the neighborhood meet certain preferences (quiet, eccentric, lively, family-oriented, student-oriented, etc.)?
- Is the apartment.... near a loud rail line or road, under a bridge, above a restaurant or club, near a church with very loud bells...there is a pattern here!
While these questions are pretty basic, it's easy to find the answers through city websites (public transportation maps are usually readily available online). Also, network with those who have lived in or are familiar with the city for advice.
Know the Type of Housing Establishment
Is the apartment or room for rent in a private house or in a large managed apartment complex? Is the room in student housing or a special type of housing that has certain requirements and rules for residents? And if this information is unclear, don't be afraid to ask the landlord. See if there are pictures available of the building or the rooms/apartments.
Other Important Factors to Consider
Don't forget to learn about:
- apartment room/size
- apartment/building amenities (laundry, kitchen, etc.)
- recent renovations
- terms and conditions such as security deposits and utility coverage
- whether the apartment is over a restaurant or in a basement
And so forth. All of the above are essential matters to keep in mind in the apartment search, just like when conducting a search at home.
Keep the above information in mind when looking for an apartment abroad, as being knowledgeable about the neighborhood, type of housing, and expenses will help avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival in the foreign country.
Suzanne Swartz - During college, Suzanne spent a semester in southwest Germany. After receiving her B.A. in History and German Studies, she went back to ...
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